Do It Yourself – Install a Chain Link Fence
A chain link fence is a great way of making boundaries around an location such as your yard while still keeping the space open and being able to see all around. If you are looking for something to give privacy then a chain link fence is most likely not the best selection for you unless you are going to plant hedging along the fence. However, by itself a chain link fence is really poor for seclusion since it is so open.
Installing a chain link fence may be really costly if you get a professional to do it however, with a little aid it is something that you can do on your own. Here are a few tips to help you install a chain link fence of your own.
How To Install A Chain Link Fence
Required Tools
Fencing
Post hole digger
Carpenter’s level
Strong string and stakes
Required Materials
Fencing
Top rails
Terminal Posts
Line posts
Cement
Tension bars
Tension bands
Terminal post caps
Loop caps
Brace bands
Carriage bolts
Wire ties
Instructions
As with all other home improvement projects, the first thing when installing a chain link fence is to check if you require any building and zoning permits before you put in your fence. As soon as this is worked out you may begin. Use string and stakes to mark out the place where the fence will run. Find your underground utilities and stake out the place they are in so you do not interfere with them.
Use the post hole digger to dig holes 8-10 inches wide with a level bottom and not a rounded one, in other words the posts have to sit level in the hole. Set your terminal posts first (corner, end and gate posts) and use the cement to secure them in place. Use the level to ensure that the posts are straight and level.
Then, dig holes for the line posts no more than 10 feet apart, between the terminal posts, 4 inches lower than the terminal posts and cement them into position as well; see to it that they are also straight.
Now slide the tension and brace bands over each terminal post and put a post cap on the top. Set loop caps on the top of each line post and run the top rail through the loop caps. Use carriage bolts to join the top rail to the brace band. Connect the top rails together right around the fenced area.
Then unroll the chain link material on the ground along the fence line and slide a tension bar through the last link on the fencing. Place the fencing against the posts and fasten the tension bar to the terminal post with the tension bands and carriage bolts. Use the wire ties to attach areas of the fencing to the top rail and prevent it from sagging.
Tip
Terminal posts ought to be 2 inches higher than the fencing material while line posts should be 2 inches shorter than the fencing material.